UAE Reaffirms Commitment to Peace and Tolerance at Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV
Vatican City, The Gulf Observer: On behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, participated in the inauguration ceremony of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Catholic Church, held in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City.
The event, attended by numerous world leaders and dignitaries, marked the formal succession of Pope Leo XIV following the passing of Pope Francis, and symbolized the continuity of the Church’s spiritual leadership at a time of global reflection and renewal.
During the ceremony, Sheikh Saud conveyed the warm congratulations of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to the new pontiff, alongside wishes for success in his mission to foster peace, dialogue, and intercultural harmony.
“We wish His Holiness every success in advancing the values of peace and coexistence, and in supporting intercultural and humanitarian dialogue,” Sheikh Saud said, reaffirming the UAE’s readiness to collaborate in promoting shared human values.
Strengthening Global Humanitarian Partnerships
Sheikh Saud underscored the UAE’s enduring commitment to its humanitarian mission, expressing hope for enhanced cooperation with Pope Leo XIV in addressing global challenges and building bridges across cultural and religious divides.
He emphasized the importance of global unity and reiterated the UAE’s dedication to values of tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence — values deeply rooted in the nation’s identity and foreign policy.
A Shared Legacy of Fraternity
In his remarks, Sheikh Saud reflected on the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity, signed in Abu Dhabi by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and Pope Francis. The document, a cornerstone of modern interfaith dialogue, serves as a foundation for future collaboration between religious institutions and nations seeking peaceful coexistence.
“It was a historic milestone and a shining example of interfaith rapprochement and human fraternity,” Sheikh Saud noted, highlighting its enduring relevance in today’s world.
The presence of the UAE delegation at this monumental event symbolizes Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a center of interreligious dialogue and diplomacy, echoing its ambition to be a bridge between East and West, and a voice for peace in a divided world.
